Heel and arch support



y 10, 1932- H. H. AHERN HEEL AND ARCH SUPPORT Filed July 12, 1950 ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 10, 1932 ATENT HARRY H. AHERN, OF NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA HEEL AND ARCH SUPPORT Application filed July 12, 1930. Serial No. 467,498.

My invention relates to anew and useful resilient heel and arch support, which is adapted to be detachably positioned within a shoe to provide resilient support for the heel, arch instep and front of the foot, and which, while giving .maXimum resiliency and support to various parts of the foot, is light in weight and provides a soft tread.

My invention further relates to a heel and arch support formed of metals of different electro-static properties so that a galvanic current maybe produced by the acid incident to foot perspiration.

My invention further relates to an innprovement over the construction disclosed in my Patent No. 1,7 01,252, of February 5, 1929.

To the above ends my'invention consists of a foot support composed of upper and lower spaced flexible metal plates having a rear depressed portion for the reception of the heel, an upwardly curved portion adapted to contact with and support the arch of the foot, a forwardly and downwardly inclined front portion for supporting the in- J step portion of the foot, 21- laterally extended front portion for supporting the toe, and a plurality of bottom springs spaced in angular relation to each other to provide added resiliency and support to the arch, instep, and front portions at various points.

My invention still further consists of a novel foot or arch support of this character wherein the bottom springs are provided with cushioning means to increase resiliency, and the heel support is provided with vents for the escape of moisture and heat.

My invention still further consists of a foot support including an upwardly deflected flange for the instep portion of the support. thus adding to the strength of my novel foot support and affording better support for the instep of the foot.

My invention still further consists of a novel foot support formed of upperand lower metal plates with an intermediate pad or tiller of cardboard or other material whereby a firm but soft and comfortably resilient tread is produced.

My invention still further consists of various other features of advantage and construction all as hereinafter described and claimed.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have shown in the accompanying drawings one form thereof which isat present preferred by me, since the same has been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a novel heel and arch support embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the support shown in Fig. 1

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view on line 3-3 of Fig. 2; and

Figs. 4, 5, and 6 are transverse sectional views taken on lines H, 55, and 6-6 of Fig. 2 respectively.

Referring to the drawings, in which similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts, 1 designates my novel heel and arch support comprising an upper flexible metal plate 2 and a lower flexible metal plate 3'. The lower flexible metal plate 3 is secured to the upper flexible plate 2 by the continuous peripheral lip or flange 4 bent downwardly and inwardly to enclose and engage or clinch upon the edge of the lower plate 3, it being understood that said plates may be secured to each other in any other desirable manner. A longitudinally extending spring 5 is secured to the bottom plate 3 by means of the rivets 6 or the like, said 0 spring being bulged outwardly as at 7, see

3, and then upwardly as at 8, and terminating in the downwardly bent or slightly converted free end portion 9. The plates 2 and 3 are spaced by the cardboard or other flexible padding 12 to provide resiliency and softness of tread. The plates 2 and 3 are further provided with the aligning rear depressions let for the reception of the heel of the foot which, as is well known from human anatomy, protrudes lower than the arch and instep of the foot. The metal plates 2 and 3 are also provided with the converted portions 17 forming a rest or support for the arch of the foot, said convexed portions terminating in the somewhat flattened portions 15 which are slightly bent downwardly at their front extremity as at 16, (see right hand portion of Fig. 2) to prevent the foot of the stockings from catching with the front end of the arch support when the foot is withdrawn, that is, when the shoes are removed. The space between the upper and lower plates 2 and 3 may be at its maximum at about the heel and central portions of said plates, that is, at the point aligning with the arch of the foot, and gradually tapers or decreases as the heel and instep portions are approached, where the requisite resiliency or support is needed. Similarly, the spring 5 is of greatest curvature and tension at about the point 7 corresponding to and aligning with the arch of the foot, thus giving maximum resilient support to said arch, as will be apparent from Fig. 3.

By providing the padding 12 in thespace between the plates 2 and 3, I provide a resiliency and softness of tread which would not be available if a single plate of sheet metal were employed. This resiliency is further enhanced by the provision of the spring 5 which is so positioned as to enhance the resiliency of the convexed portion 17 which supports the arch of the foot. Thus, as the weight of the body is transferred from the heel of the foot to the instep, and as the heel is raised with respect to the fulcrum point just behind the toes, the entire Weight of the body rests momentarily upon the longitudi nal arch of the foot. As the weight of the body progresses forward, from the rear to the front portion of the'arch of the foot, the

spring 5 and the plates 2 and 3 are correspondingly and proportionally compressed, thus providing a slightly sliding or shiftsupport, corresponding with the shifting of the weight of the body, and thus keeping the arch of the foot constantly supported and reinforced.

In order to provide support, protection and relief to other parts of the foot, which due to constant rubbing may become hardened, callous and painful, I prolong the front porti-on 15 forwardly and laterally and shape the outer contour 20 thereof as will be understood from Fig. 1, so as to support the afflicted part of the foot, said front portion 15 being provided with the bottom transverse supporting spring 21, secured by rivets 22 or the like. The transverse spring 21 is of the same general contour as the spring 5, and serves resiliently to'support the front portion of the foot, as is evident.

In order to increase the resiliency of the spring 571 enclose thelatter in a piece of rubber tubing 24: which serves further to soften and strengthen the tread. The convex portion 25 is provided in the front portion 15 of my novel support to provide adequate supports for the toes and ball of the foot, as will be understood from Figs. 2 and 3.

26 designates an upward deflected flange which serves to strengthen the entire support and to afford positive support for the longitudinal arch of the foot. In the bottom of the heel port-ion 14 1 provide the holes 27 which serve to ventilate and cool the foot by permitting radiation of heat and circulation of air.

It will thus be apparent that I have devised a novel heel and arch support which provides resilient support to the foot at various points simultaneously and in proper proportion to the amount of support needed, and that in addition to providing the requisite support my novel device is also useful in relieving pain and eliminating or reducing to a minimum the formation of bunions, callous or hardened skin and similar ailments.

It will further be seen that since my novel device is detachable the same can be used continuously on successive pairs of shoes and does not have to be discarded when the shoes Wear out, as is the case with built-in arch supports heretofore employed. Another advantage resulting from the detachable character of my novel heel and arch support is that it need not be used unless needed, and when only a short walk is contemplated, or when through its use the feet have suiliciently recovered, it can be left out to be again used whenever occasion demands.

If desired, 1 may employ upper and lower plates of metals having different electrostatic properties such as zinc, and copper, thus forming an anode and a cathode or positive and negative poles which, when acted upon by the acid incident to perspiration of the feet, will generate a galvanic current which possesses admitted therapeutic advantages.

My novel heel and arch support is detachable and may be made in various standard sizes to fit various sizes of shoes and the same may, be adapted for use in mens, womens, and childrens shoes indiscriminately.

It will further be apparent that I have devised a heel and arch support which is extremely light compared to conventional arch supports heretofore known and employed, and that my novel heel and arch support tends to cool the feet since the metals .from which it is made are good heat conductors which conduct and radiate heat at a much quicker rate than leather and other materials heretofore employed, which, as is well known, are heat insulators or poor conductors.

It will be understood that the springs 5 and 21 are preferably flat springs having their free ends in frictional contact with the bottom plate 3, as will be understood from Figures 3 and 4:, but it will be apparent that other equivalent forms of springs may be employed if desired.

It will further be apparent that the resilient member 24 is preferably a short section of rubber tubing which is in sliding engagement with the spring 5, so that a means of adjustment for individual needs is provided by sliding this rubber tubing along the spring to suit conditions.

I preferably employ three holes 27, as shown in Figure 2, but it will be apparent that the number of holes or ventilating ports can be increased or diminished according to requirements.

The rolled flange 26 fits snugly under the instep thus providing more strength to the support, and in addition preventing the support from flattening down, as for instance when the support is removed from a shoe and placed in a slipper which is very often done.

By the provision of the bulged portion 25 in the forward part of the support I am enabled slightly to elevate the fallen bones of the anterior arch and also to protect any callous which usually develops when this condition exists from friction caused by constant rubbing on the inside of the shoe.

The filler 12 best seen in Figures 3, 4, and 5 preferably terminates a short distance from the holes 27 as indicated by the dotted lines at the left of Figure 2, and may be a piece of cardboard or similar material, or in some instances it may be desirable to employ a very thin metal strip in lieu of the cardboard, as for instance in a support for a ladys shoe where there is not much room, or where the shoe is taut.

While the structure seen in my prior patent has been found to give most excellent and satisfactory results, I have discovered that the five additions above enumerated to wit, the sliding resilient tube 24:, the ventilating ports 27, the rolled flange 26, the bulged convexity 25, and the filler 12, greatly enhance the effectiveness of my device, and results in a very superior article for the purpose intended.

While the upper and lower plates 2 and 3 may be made of metal or different electrostatic properties as above -explained, it will be evident that said plates, if desired, may be made of any suitable material or metal, as aluminum, or any of the so called white metals or alloys which will not readily tarnish or become affected from the perspiration from the users foot.

I am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and I therefore desire the present embodiment to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. In a device of the character stated, a support composed of a plurality of upper and lower thin plates secured together and having a convexed, central foot arch supporting portion, a spring secured to the bottom plate opposite to said convexity and extending longitudinally of said support, and a tubular cushioning member slidably engaging said spring, there being a front convexed portion adapted to support the front transverse arch of the foot.

2. In a device of the character stated, a support composed of a pair of upper and lower thin plates secured together and having a central foot arch supporting portion, a raised instep-engaging portion at the inner edge of said plates, a longitudinally extending bowed spring secured to said bottom plate, a tubular resilient cushion slidably mounted on said sprlng, a transverse front spring at the bottom of said support, a front bulged portion above said transverse spring, and a cushioning material intermediate said plates.

3. In a device of the character stated, a support composed of a pair of upper and lower thin plates secured together and having a central foot arch supporting portion, a raised instep-engaging portion at the inner edge of said plates, a longitudinally extending bowed spring secured to said bottom plate, a tubular resilient cushion slidably mounted on said spring, a transverse front spring at the bottom of said support, a front bulged portion above said transverse spring, and a cushioning material intermediate said plates, the rear portion of said bottom plates having ventilation ports therein.

at. In a heel and arch support, upper and lower spaced-apart plates of a contour to fit within a shoe, said plates being secured together at their peripheral edges, a pad positioned intermediate said plates, a heel depression in said plates merging into an upper convex surface for supporting the arch of the wearer, the maximum space between said plates being at said arch supporting portions, a longitudinally extending bulged spring secured at one end to the bottom of said plates and having its free end juxtaposed to the front of said heel depressions, the front portion of said plates being deflected downwardly and laterally, and a front, bulged, transverse spring secured to i said bottom plate and extending at an anglev to said first spring.

HARRY H. AHERN.

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